Didn't Think We Could Beat India Inside Three Days, Says Alastair Cook

England skipper Alastair Cook was left pleasantly surprised as his bowlers wrapped up a crushing innings and 54-run victory over India at Manchester as the tourists lost as many as nine wickets in a single session. (Scorecard | Highlights | Pics)

"I could not have asked for more than this; nine wickets in a session. We didn't think we could get it done on Saturday, but it was great to win," said an elated Cook in the post-match presentation ceremony. (Full Report)

James Anderson struck two crucial blows, removing comeback man Gautam Gambhir and the out-of-form Virat Kohli and Moeen Ali ran through the rest of the middle-order as England pulled off a stunning victory inside three days, with the threat of rain looming large on Sunday. But with the sun shining bright on Old Trafford, England went 2-1 up, with one Test still to go in the five-match series. (India in England: Pankaj Singh strikes at last)

Moeen, the part-time spinner, who has so far snared 19 wickets in the series, drew high praise from Cook: "Moeen Ali has been working really hard; I have not seen anyone improve as much as he has. He has learned how to bowl in international cricket." (Broad suffers nose blow from nasty Varun Aaron bouncer)

Cook of course reserved some special words for his star new-ball pair Anderson - Stuart Broad, even as the latter was taken out of the equation in the second innings after being hit in the nose by a Varun Aaron bouncer.

"Jimmy was not entirely fit (in the second innings), but it was a great effort by him to get off the bed and take 2/18 in nine overs. He and Broady were excellent in the first hour. To bowl out India for 152 was a great achievement," said Cook. (Dhoni Calls for Improvement in Batting After Manchester Debacle)

England managed to steamroll India even without Broad, who had ripped the Indians apart in their first innings, with figures of 6/25, but the hosts would still want to see him fit and firing in the last Test at the Oval from August 15. However, Cook could not be certain if his pacer would be back in time.

"It was a real nasty blow and he got hit on the nose. We don't really know the seriousness of the injury. We wish him a speedy recovery and hopefully it won't ruin his good looks," said Cook.

The fifth and final Test at the Oval begins on August 15.